Interesting facts about Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, with over 10 million inhabitants. The city contains skyscrapers and apartment buildings, as well as shopping districts where you can find almost everything. Seoul is regarded as one of the world’s most modern cities and the centre rises in several layers, from underground level right up to the restaurants high up in the skyscrapers. A stream that has been dug out from under the tarmac runs through the city centre with beautiful boulevards on both sides, and a surreal tranquillity seems to prevail in the courtyards of the city's temples. This is a city that never sleeps and it shows off its most ostentatious side at night, with vibrant nightlife.

SIGHTS IN SEOUL

Gyeongbok Palace (Gyeongbokgung) – located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbok Palace is Korea’s best-known royal palace containing beautiful parks and buildings that you won't want to miss during a visit to the city.

Bukchon Hanok Village – here you can find historical buildings of traditional design and many beautiful shrines.

Mount Namsan – take the cable car up to the YTN Seoul Tower to get a great view over Seoul.

The National Museum of Korea – one of the largest and most modern museums in the world.

Jimjilbang – a unique experience that you cannot find outside Korea. Jimjilbang´s public baths offer hot tubs, sauna, massage and spa treatments together with relaxation areas featuring flat screen TV, PC´s and heated floors. Often open around the clock, the spa, heated baths and treatment rooms are gender-divided but the public areas for relaxation are open to all.

Important: do not forget to shower before you step into any pool.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEAR SEOUL

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – a heavily guarded buffer zone on the border of North and South Korea that can be viewed on guided tours. It is extremely rare that any hostilities take place here and a visit is thoroughly recommended to any traveller. The DMZ and its surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched natural surroundings. About 40 minutes from Seoul.

Namhansanseong – an attractive mountain park with walking trails outside Seoul. The old Namhansanseong Fortress is also situated here. 20 minutes from Seoul.

SHOPPING IN SEOUL

With markets selling just about anything, shopping in Seoul is easy, and you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronic gadgets and designer clothes.

Myeong Dong – the main shopping area which offers truly trendy fashion. Here you will find international and local shops, big department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae, designer clothes, furnishings and accessories galore. Seoul’s nightlife offers restaurants, cafes and clubs and keeps Myeong Dong bustling into the early hours.

Namdaemun and Dongdaemun are two famous market places in Seoul where you can shop almost 24 hours a day and find everything that you didn’t even realise you needed.

COEX Mall – offers you even more shopping adventures in Seoul. It is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, with a huge aquarium.

Yongsan Electronics Market – a mecca for electronic goods.

Insa-dong Street – small and homely street with a great atmosphere. Souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and interior design, bars and boutiques – don´t forget to try one of the cozy teahouses you can find here.

KOREAN FOOD & DRINK IN SEOUL

With an abundance of food options, Seoul offers everything from small traditional street food stands serving basic rice and vegetable dishes to up-market restaurants with comprehensive menus. If seafood is your thing, visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where you will find hundreds of shops, fish auctions and an abundance of restaurants.

Kimchi – the Korean national dish of fermented nappa cabbage that comes in many different varieties.

Bulgogi – marinated meat and fresh vegetables that you cook yourself on a table grill. You then place your grilled food inside a lettuce leaf and serve it with various tasty sauces.

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